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Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support
- Price: $185.99
-
Mail In Rebate
-$45.00
(see details)
offer ends JUN 15 '13 - Price after Rebate: $140.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # MA393
- Mfr# 393
Product Highlights
- With RC3 Quick Release
- Replaces #3421
- Supports Up to 44 lb
The most economical option among Gimbal heads, the Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Telephoto Lens Support puts the tilt axis (up/down) in line with the midpoint of the lens' weight. This makes movement with a large telephoto lens easy enough to be done with one finger. Point the rig where you want, let go and it stays where you left it. Height of the lens is adjustable and there is a built-in pan base.
The built-in 357 quick release assembly allows fore/aft movement within the mount for perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The 357PL quick release plate includes two 1/4"-20 screws (many large tripod collared lenses have two sockets in their collars) and one 3/8"-16 screw. The 393 is appropriate for all telephoto lenses with a tripod collar.
Replaces old part number 3421.
| Load Capacity | 44.09 lb (20 kg) |
| Tripod Attachment | 3/8" thread |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 84 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (68)
- Attaches firmly (65)
- Large range of motion (64)
- Strong clamp (57)
- Easy to use (12)
Cons
- Heavy (36)
- Heavy / bulky (8)
Best Uses
- Wildlife (71)
- Sports/action (49)
- Landscape/scenery (27)
- Night shots (21)
- Travel (9)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (38), Semi-pro photographer (28), Pro photographer (11), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (64)
Most Liked Positive Review
Driven to Nature
I am a semi-professional photographer by trade, but my Heart is Captured by nature photography. In performing my business I purchase the best in order to deliver the best to my customers, they are...Read complete review
I am a semi-professional photographer by trade, but my Heart is Captured by nature photography. In performing my business I purchase the best in order to deliver the best to my customers, they are my existence. But delivering to my customers and delivering to my hearts desire are two different things. When rendered a choice between buying an expensive lens or perhaps camera body, because I'll better serve my customers, there is no debate; but when providing a better lens mount (gimbal) for my hearts desire I look for the best performance at a reasonable cost. Enter the Manfrotto 393 lens mount (gimbal)... Would I like to use one of the high priced gimbals (a "W"), yes, but where is the return in it. To pay two to three even four times the price for a gimbal for the name is ludicrous and, that in my mind, doesn't deliver much more then a Manfrotto 393. After test driving the 393 I knew I had made the best decision. For my 300mm 2.8f AFS Nikon lens with a 2x tele-converter (yielding 600mm 5.6f) it was a dream come true. The 393 has a integral lens plate safety devise coupled with a clamp that holds tight with reasonable amount of force applied for a fantastic feeling of security. Rotational axis's were very stable with great range of motion. For a simple design, that doesn't break the bank and then add to that provides fantastic performance what more do I need. Oh, I could have purchased a "W" but at $654.00 now I have investment left over to help buy that 25-70mm I have been needing.Captured by Nature.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Works OK, but note caveats!
This is often called the "Poor man's Wimberley". That's a good moniker, because it hints that the only reason to purchase this instead of the Wimberley is budget. I bought the Manfr...Read complete review
This is often called the "Poor man's Wimberley". That's a good moniker, because it hints that the only reason to purchase this instead of the Wimberley is budget. I bought the Manfrotto about a year ago, and thus have a lot of experience with it, but I just upgraded to the Wimberley. Here are my reasons:
1) On the 393, the yoke wraps around the lens, which obscures all the controls on the lens. When you need to touch up focus or flip one of the switches on the side of your lens, you'll find that your hand encounters the yoke, instead of the lens. It is very awkward to manually focus with this mount (at least with the Canon 500mm f4 IS, which is the primary lens I used with it.)
2) The RC3 mounting plate is huge. Although it mounts just fine on the Canon 500 foot, if you try mounting one on your camera body to capture some scenics with a normal lens, it will be ridiculously in the way, and you'll take it off immediately after getting your shot. I don't like putting tripod plates on and off each time I change lenses. There is only one plate available for this support, unlike the Wimberley for which the entire line of Swiss-Arca line plates are available, some of which are appropriate to semi-permanent body mounting. Also, Really Right Stuff makes replacement lens feet with an Arca-Swiss mount built right into them, so there is no plate at all! I once got several hundred miles from home before realizing I had not packed the RC3 mounting plate for my Canon 500 lens, so I was dead in the water for shooting.
3) There is no lock for the pan direction on this head - it floats freely always. That's OK for moving subjects, not so OK for any other use. The Wimberley locks on both axes.
On the plus side, the RC3 plate and mount are very secure, and less worry to mount and unmount than the Wimberley, with which there is a real fear of dropping the camera. With the Manfrotto, you slide it in just a little, hear a satisfying "click", and know that whatever you do now, you can't lose the camera. A quarter turn of a nicely shaped lever locks it in place. When you go to remove the camera/lens, you release the lever, then push a little button that allows the whole thing to slide out. This became very natural and automatic after a few uses for me - rather like putting the car in "Park" and stepping on the emergency brake. The Wimberley with it's Arca-Swiss clamp takes longer to mount, and I'm concerned about dropping the camera while doing it. Maybe I'll get better at it (I've only had the Wimberley a few days), but it doesn't seem like it will ever match the Manfrotto in mount/dismount security and convenience.
If you can live with the limitations of the Manfrotto 393, and budget is an important consideration, you'll be happy with it. It has an immense advantage over a conventional ball head for shooting moving subjects.
By the way, the B&H photo shows the inner yoke above the camera and lens. It can be used this way, but I know few who do, as it makes it even more difficult to get at the controls. The normal orientation is to orient both the inner and outer yokes like the letter "U".
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 84 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
This is extrememly useful, holds my d800E and a 500mm prime lens like a charm. It is big, but has to be to be stable.
Taking this on a 2 month trip to Alaska this summer for landscape and wildlife photos.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I used with my Sigma 50-500mm lens really helps with with the weight of the camera & lens. Once balanced theres no problem panning in both axis.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I have only used this once, and it seems smooth and simple to use. I have read someone comment that it is not smooth, that has NOT been my experience. The day I used it, it was about 20 degrees F and 20 to 30mph winds making it downright frigid, so my full attention was not on the full functionality of the gimbal. I own other Manfrotto equipment and am very happy with it all.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Monopod or tripod of your choice
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Heavy-duty
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I am mainly using this as a gimbal- head to shoot wildlife, mainly waterfowl. I have played around with many of my friends gimbal heads and thinks this works as well as any I have tried. At the current price point this item may sell out quickly online. I paid less than half what my friends spent on their heads. I use it with my Canon 100-400L lens and would have no problem putting a much larger lens on this head. Anyway, I could ramble on and on about this thing. If you are looking for a deal on a gimbal- head by this thing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Ease Of Camera Detachment
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
Sitting on an old and very reliable Manfrotto 190, and mounting a Sigma 150x500 with a Nikon D300 hanging on the back. Absolutely solid - I'm pretty sure it would hold a Volkswagen securely.
Pan and tilt are smooth and if you take a couple of seconds to balance the lens, then it will stay where you place it.
Camera and lens can be zipped off quickly for a hand-held shot and also goes back on the gimbal quickly and easily.
Fine adjustment of tilt resistance is quick and easy. Fine adjustment of pan resistance is somewhat tricky but will probably get easier with practice.
Overall, it's a bit big, but then so are the lens and tripod. The price is very attractive. I wouldn't pay the hundreds of extra dollars to get a slick compact gimbal. The 393 works fine and will last several lifetimes. I highly recommend this gimbal mount.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
After using 4 other fluid heads, this is the one I have been waiting for. My Pentax 400 f2.8 edif weighs in at 13 lbs and it is now very stable and balanced. I was always worried the lens would flop over due to it being very front heavy. Only a 700 dollar video head held the lens properly without worry but it was a pain to transport for wildlife shots. Just way too big and bulky. I see no need for axis locks as the friction adjusters hold the lens very steady, unless you mount your lens as depicted in the picture of the product. That looks like an accident waiting to happen with a large lens. I have not seen any shutter shake in the 200 digital pics I have taken so far. A happy Manfreotto customer indeed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Stihlmania
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
It is well constructed, sturdy and easily balances my Nikon 200-400mm on it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
- Well Made
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
The double yoke Manfrotto gimbal head was bought for my 200-400 mm lens with a 2X to provide smooth, steady support for tracking eagles in flight. When the camera/lens are balanced (an easy operation), it makes the camera rig weightless and smooth moving. How did I live without it? The number of 'keepers' has increased dramatically and I'm not sore at day's end.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Ideal For Big Lenses
- Large Range of Motion
- Very easy to use
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
This is a well thought, sturdy, inexpensive way to support camera and long telephoto lenses. I use it with my 40D and 500mm lens. Both camera and lens balance perfectly and it is very easy to follow moving subjets. It is a little bulky, but every Gimbal head is and I don't even notice it when I carry it in the field.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
A bit heavy and bulky, however it gets the job done at a great price. Absolutely stable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
A bit heavy and bulky but gets the job done at a great price. Extemely stable with my Sigma 50-500 OS lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
The photo showing it mounted at the top is absurd. It is one HEAVY duty piece of equipment. When mounted on your tripod the 393 performs smoothly and holds your equipment exactly where you release it. Its price is a very eye-catching feature.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Big Bang For Your Buck
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I use this with a Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR I on a D300. The stability is second to none in my opinion. Yes, my lens is smaller than the intended use, but this works where a Sidekick set up won't clear the ballhead (this is half the cost too). It's not that heavy and I use the bracket flipped 180 degrees from what's shown here on B&H. Bigger lenses would need it as shown.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Jack
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I've been using this lens support for a couple of weeks and have nothing but good things to report. It is a great cost effective lens support. I use it with a Nikkor 600 mm lens and it works great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
This head delivers-I've been using it with my 300mm 2.8 -it's rock solid, balances well and is steady with fluid motion.
Heck, call me crazy but I love its rugged look!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
Good gimbal for those on a budget. Heavy duty construction.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
Great and very stable support for heavy lenses without loosing any mobility
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
This is surely a poor man's Wimberley. Anyone is is on a limited budget and needs a head for birds in flight or panning shots, this is your thing! I wanted some head for shots especially birds in flight. I was on a very tight budget and thought i'll go for this. I have no complaints whatsoever with the performance of the head. Love it to the core. The only drawback is the weight. With my Manfrotto Tripod Legs (055XDB), Canon 7D and Canon 100-400mm, this head adds to a significant amount of overall weight to my gear. I sometimes think I am working out in the gym with this thing. But on an average an excellent product that serves the purpose. The lock is good and you feel assured that your lens and camera and not going to fall by any means. I am giving this a 4 star only because of weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Effective
- Fluid
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Quality - Excellent
- Strong Clamp
- Strong constuction
Cons
- Cumbersome build
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Catching flight
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
It is quite effective for manipulating a 500mm 4Kg lens at its axis. The balance can be obtained quickly and overall motion is fluid. I recommend it for those who have a very heavy lens. Be prepared to carry a large and unwielding piece of metal. After lugging it on a tripod for several months, I'm definitely going to carry it in my backback. If I could I would give it 4 1/2 stars.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
This is such a great....big product, but it works just perfect! It will take some space up while traveling with it, but it's worth the price difference compared to the compitition. (1/3rd cheaper) I set it with the 500mm on top instead of hanging and it holds it where ever I stop moving it with just one finger. It's not a carry around and shoot kinda product though. This is were the competitions lighter and smaller size comes in handy. I still am happy with this in the end.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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